Tributes to young pilot in crash

The single-engine Cessna aircraft came down at Eastwood Park

A mother has paid tribute to a 16-year-old pilot who died in a plane crash as he steered it away from a play area and housing.

Sam Cross died when the single-engine Cessna came down in Eastwood Park, Southend, on Wednesday.

Witness Louise Sutherland, 28, said she thought he had deliberately crashed onto a cricket pitch in the park to avoid hitting any people or buildings.

Sam, from Hornchurch, Essex, had clocked up 15 hours of flying time.

Miss Sutherland said the teenager, who was on his second solo flight, appeared to be aiming at the centre of the field and away from a play area and nearby homes.

His father was at the airport when the accident happened. It was very distressing for him and for everyone at the club Ian Chandler

"I saw the plane coming down. It seemed to be aiming at the centre of the field.

"I pushed my daughters into some bushes and when it landed I ran to see if I could help," she said.

"I don't know whether he could see us or not, but it certainly seemed to be aiming at the centre of the field.

"I think he is a very brave boy indeed and he must have been a very mature boy to do what he did."

'Extremely saddened'

Sam was pronounced dead at the scene. No-one on the ground was injured.

The teenager was a member of Seawing Flying Club based at Southend Airport and was described by his instructor as an "accomplished student".

Ian Chandler, chairman of the flying club, said it was the first death experienced at the club in 30 years of flying.

"Our thoughts are with the family and we offer them our sincere condolences," he said.

"His father was at the airport when the accident happened. It was very distressing for him and for everyone at the club."

Sam left Emerson Park School, a specialist sports college, in Hornchurch last year.

Deputy head teacher Diana Perkins said: "We are all shocked and extremely saddened to hear the news of Sam Cross's sudden death in a tragic accident.

"He was a lovely lad and was very popular at Emerson Park School. He is remembered as a charming, friendly, outgoing young man."